Thoughts, links, inside information and program previews from the host of Chicagoland's premier local-access political talk show.

Monday, March 27, 2006

McSweeney and Bean: A virtual debate

Updated at 2:00 pm on Monday:

The latest addition to the Public Affairs Cinema Complex is our show, taped yesterday, with the 8th Cong. Dist. Republican Nominee, David McSweeney. McSweeney won the Republican Primary earlier this week on Tuesday, in a six candidate field with 43% of the vote, beating his closest competitor, Kathy Salvi, by ten points.

This should be an expensive race [10 million dollars total for the incumbent, Democrat Cong. Melissa Bean, and her challenger, Republican David McSweeney]. The show is sort of a virtual debate, with host and legal recruiter Jeff Berkowitz often summarizing, during the show, Cong. Bean's position on an issue, followed up by a discussion of whether McSweeney agreed or not.

David McSweeney, who knocked on about 5000 doors in the 8th CD during the Primary, has resumed walking the precincts, albeit with broader targets for the general election. The conservative Republican started running about 15 months ago, and in April of 2005 left his job as an investment banker to devote himself full time to his campaign for the 8th CD seat.

HISTORICAL UPDATE: The 8th CD seat had been held by conservative Republican Phil Crane from 1969 [Crane was elected in a special election held to replace Don Rumsfeld, who accepted an appointment in the Nixon Administration] until Melissa Bean beat him [52%-48%] in 2004. President Bush won the District 56% to 42% in 2004 and most Republicans argue that Crane lost it more than Bean won it-- and seem confident they can take it back. Democrats, on the other hand, including DCCC Chairman Rahm Emanuel, are confident Congresswoman Bean, if she is viewed by the District as an independent who votes and represents well the interests of the District, will hold the seat-- in a way that is not dissimilar from moderate Republican Cong. Mark Kirk winning and holding the now Democratic North Shore 10th CD seat [53% to 47% for Kerry in 2004].

You can watch the show here. You can also find and watch our Show with Cong. Bean on this Podcast page, along with about 18 other shows.